Cells, Genes & Molecules
Environmental DNA Technique Sheds New Light on Pollinator Monitoring
A study reveals how environmental DNA can help monitor and conserve our vital pollinators.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Study Develops Herbicide-Resistant Super Basmati Rice Using CRISPR-Cas9
The new strain of rice could help farmers save labour and water resources while combating weed infestations.
Growth & Development
Thinning Chinese Pine Plantations Could Be a Solution for Improved Plant Diversity and Forest Regeneration
The best way to rejuvenate forests is to let in a little light – but not too much.
Close Encounters
Orchid Mimics Aphids to Lure Pollinators in Intricate Trap Flower Scheme
What appears to be a place of safety becomes a maze, as an orchid manipulates its visitor.
Close Encounters
Ceropegia gerrardii smells of pain to attract ‘blood’ drinking flies
New research uncovers how this South African plant tricks kleptoparasitic flies into pollination by imitating wounded honey bees.
Ecosystems
Unique Evolutionary Histories in Marginal Habitats of the Atlantic Forest Uncovered
Marginal habitats, previously thought to be subsets of the rain forest, have distinct evolutionary paths, challenging our understanding of the Atlantic Forest’s diversity.
Plants & People
MIT Researchers Develop Silk-Based “Unclonable” Tags to Combat Counterfeit Seeds
New system harnesses randomness and provides a unique code that cannot be duplicated, bringing hope to farmers plagued by fake seeds.
Ecosystems
A Bounty of Wasted Pollen and Nectar Poses New Questions for Pollinator Conservation
A study finds that almost 60% of nectar produced by ivy in autumn goes uncollected by pollinators.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Feral Crops: The Untapped Potential to Boost Food Security Amid Climate Change
Scientists are exploring a new way to improve food security in the face of climate change by studying “feral crops” – wild plants that have escaped cultivation and continue to thrive without human intervention.
Growth & Development
Clonal Plants Use Smart Connections to Boost Resistance Against Hungry Insects
Plants that can reproduce by cloning themselves can share resources and signals to resist herbivores. Clones can change the structure of their leaves according to herbivore stress through the connections between them.
Plants & People
Seeds of Hope Sit Unused in Storage
Limited funding and resources are preventing seed banks from fully using their seed collections to conserve endangered plants.
Close Encounters
How Native Plants Team Up to Repel Invaders
Native plants that suffer when black mustard invades their patch do much better when a neighbour helps.